Beyonce, Taylor Swift and Adele Lead the 2018 BBC Woman's Hour Power List

BBC Radio 4’s Woman’s Hour program named Beyonce first on their list of the 40 most influential women in the music industry today (Sept. 28).

Beyonce was celebrated by BBC for her empowering music and activism. Her chart-topping songs like “Run the World (Girls),” and “Single Ladies (Put a Ring on It)” have become anthems for the feminist movement.

BBC broadcaster Tina Daheley, who also led the committee of judges, said they looked for women “who’ve had an impact over the last 12 months.” Daheley added that “Beyonce absolutely deserves to be number one,” not just for her music, but for the way she has contributed to the Black Lives Matter movement and those affected by Hurricane Katrina. “She’s one of those people who’s absolutely in charge of her own destiny and she’s using that platform in a way that makes a difference,” Daheley said.

Other female musicians to receive the honor were Taylor Swift and Adele, who both found spots in the top five. Taylor Swift was recognized for famously standing up to streaming giants like Spotify over royalties, as well as winning her 2013 sexual assault case against ex-radio DJ David Mueller.

The Woman’s Hour Power List also recognized the women working behind the scenes in the music industry to create more opportunities for women. Vanessa Reed, head of PRS for Music, received the third spot on the list for persuading dozens of festivals to sign equally gender balanced line-ups by 2022.

BBC’s Woman’s Hour hopes this list will promote better representation for women in the music industry, while celebrating those who have helped make enormous strides in progress.